That’s not the only thing that the AJF is focusing on though. According to Rashad Rasullu, Secretary General of the national federation, organisers in Baku are aiming to improve in all areas to help promote the sport.
“Beyond the competitive arena, organising such events holds particular significance for the promotion of judo within our nation. Furthermore, hosting the competition provides us with a unique opportunity to glean insights from our colleagues at the International Judo Federation. We aim to apply the valuable experiences gained from them to enhance the organisation and standards of our local competitions. In essence, the tournament serves as a multi-faceted platform for learning, sharing and implementing advanced judo practices,” Rasullu said.
He added, “Anticipation is high, Baku remains a favoured destination. Our commitment to showcasing exceptional hospitality ensures that every participant leaves the tournament with positive impressions.”
This year, any talk of sport is incomplete without a mention of the Olympic Games. Thanks to Rustam Orujov and Elmar Gasimov at Rio 2016 (silver medals) and Iryna Kindzerska at Tokyo 2020 (bronze medal), Azerbaijan boasts three Olympic medals since the Baku Grand Slam became a regular fixture on the IJF calendar. This year, as Paris gears up to host the quadrennial celebration a hundred years after the French capital previously did so, a change of colour in the medals would be the best possible gift in response to the city’s commitment and effort.
“Our dedication knows no bounds as we channel great efforts into this endeavour. The unwavering support from coaches, athletes, support staff, doctors and federation personnel, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the National Olympic Committee, empowers each of us to fulfil our roles. The culmination of our collective efforts will combine at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, where we strive to provide top-notch training for outstanding results.”
Olympic glory is not all that the AJF is thinking about. Having already hosted a successful referee seminar and launched the ‘I Promise’ campaign to fight bullying in training centres and schools, Rashad Rasullu stressed the need for increasing investment in the education of coaches, referees and all participants for the development of judo in the country.
“This commitment to education is integral for achieving success at the elite level. Emphasising its importance, we plan to expand collaboration with the IJF Academy and base our decisions on data-driven insights. Additionally, our strategy involves increasing the frequency and calibre of domestic competitions to further nurture talent and elevate the overall standards of judo in Azerbaijan.”
Only time will tell how Azerbaijan performs at the Olympics and other prestigious events in the future but as hosts, they have consistently shown the willingness to learn and evolve. In that regard, they have already secured the top spot on the podium.